Rheumatology in Guadalajara

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of conditions that affect joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, including those known as rheumatic diseases, or autoimmune conditions. Physicians who have had special training in rheumatology are called rheumatologists. Some of the conditions that rheumatologists diagnose and treat include:

Chronic back pain, Lupus, Inflammatory arthritis of the hips, knee, or shoulders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tendinitis, Osteoporosis, Psoriatic arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Giant cell arteritis, Bursitis, Scleroderma, Behcet’s disease, Polymyalgia rheumatic, Paget’s disease, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, Reiter’s syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Reactive arthropathies, Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic juvenile arthritis.

While rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, they do not perform surgery. They perform examinations and procedures that help them diagnose, manage, and treat rheumatic conditions. These include:

• Complete physical exams.
• Lab tests, which usually involve taking samples of joint fluid, urine, or blood to check for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies, synovial fluid, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans (DXA), or ultrasounds.
• Lumbar punctures.
• Joint aspiration.
• Synovial biopsy.
• Joint injections.
• Bursal injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections.

How Long Should I Stay in Guadalajara?

Rheumatology procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you will have, you may also be allowed to travel home immediately after. However, it is generally recommended that you stay for 2 to 7 days as you may need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the test results with your rheumatologist (if you undergo a diagnostic test) or to monitor your condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time depends on your specific condition. After the rheumatology procedure itself, you may not need any downtime, although you will need to take it easy for at least two days after some procedures, such as a lumbar puncture. If your condition causes painful symptoms, your rheumatologist will also recommend that you rest until the pain and discomfort subsides. Make sure to discuss your recovery timeline, including when you can return to work and perform strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your rheumatologist will likely prescribe you medications. It is important that you take the medications as directed. You may also be suggested to see undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy. Physical therapists will teach you exercises that can help you move your joints and improve their strength, while occupational therapists can teach you how to ease the strains on your joints when performing your day-to-day activities. Lifestyle changes are important as well, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. Since most rheumatic diseases are long-term diseases, you probably will need regular checkups.

What's the Success Rate?

With cutting-edge technology, continuous research, and a better understanding of the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, rheumatology procedures are now more accurate and safer. The procedures are also highly successful, giving patients higher satisfaction rates and improvement in their quality of life. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your specific condition. It is best that you talk to your general physician first, who will be able to refer you to the relevant specialist. If you require surgery, for instance, you need joint replacement surgery, your rheumatologist will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Rheumatology in and around Guadalajara

About Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and lies at the heart of the Mexican state Jalisco. The City takes great pride in being the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to the phenomenal growth of its infrastructure, economics, technology, and software in the last three decades. The city is also rich in tradition, culture, and history. It is also home to the world’s famous tequila and mariachi festival

Mexico is also a popular destination for medical tourism. It has more than a dozen cities and border towns specializing in medical care. Guadalajara is one such city and is largely visited by medical tourists from across the world. In particular, a large number of Americans cross the border to seek medical assistance. Low medical cost is the main reason behind the City's immense popularity and makes Guadalajara an ideal destination for medical tourism. Bariatric surgery is 70% cheaper than in the USA and dental procedures are 60% less expensive.

The world-class hospitals in Guadalajara offer a wide range of medical services including general surgery, plastic surgery, infertility, stem cell therapy, pediatrics, oncology, and orthopedics. The highly qualified doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care, service, and hospitality and are also well versed in English. Guadalajara is not only a perfect choice for medical treatments and procedures but also the best spot for recuperation.

Salutaris Medical Center, San Javier Hospital, the fertility institutes, OLA Obesity & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic, and the Mexico Americano are some of the better-known hospitals in Guadalajara. They have access to the latest medical procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

Popular areas in Guadalajara

The Metropolitan area of Guadalajara houses approximately 5 million people. The city has a handful of safe and trendy neighborhoods. You will find a large population of expatriates in areas like Providencia, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Chapalita, Chapultepec, and Zapopan. The neighborhoods have many upmarket restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and authentic Mexican food stalls. Lake Chapala is a picturesque lake, from where you can take a cruise to the beautiful island of Scorpio.

• Guadalajara Cathedral: The centuries-old Cathedral lies in the Plaza De Armas, Zona Centro, and although not a particularly big or extravagant Cathedral, it was built in 1541 in the old Spanish colonial style with its neo-gothic spires.
• Expiatory temple: This is the finest religious structure built in a neo-Gothic style. The church has a lavishly embellished exterior. The unique German clock and fine stained-glass windows never fail to fascinate its visitors.
• The Government Palace: Located at the Plaza De Armas, the splendid palace is an absolute visual treat. It took almost a century to construct this historical landmark. The old staircase and murals depicting the heroes of the war of independence are the highlights.
• The regional museum of Guadalajara: The museum is worth a quick visit. 14 dioramas, local fossils, and 800 kg meteorite are the major attractions.
• Avenida Chapultepec: You can experience the best nightlife here as there is a selection of bars with salsa dancing, hula hooping, and Mexican folk dance.

Weather and Climate in Guadalajara

Guadalajara has a warm and moderate climate. The City’s elevation ensures cooler evenings. The weather is spring-like for most of the year. Guadalajara's average temperature is 19.5°C. The average annual rainfall is 941 mm. During the month of August, the City receives a generous amount of rainfall.

March is the driest month of the year with little to no precipitation at all. The warmest months of the year are April, May, and June and the temperature can reach 35°C.

December and January are cooler with an average temperature of 25°C. The temperature may fall too even 5°C during the nights. If you are planning to visit the City during the winter, then pack suitable warm clothing to withstand the cold.

Getting around in Guadalajara

Located 16 km away from the city center, is Guadalajara International Airport. It is Mexico's third busiest airport. The airport handles cargo flights and domestic flights to other Mexican cities and the USA. Wider transport options are available to cater to the needs of the locals and the tourists. The city is well connected by various modes of transportation.

• By foot: As Guadalajara is quite compact, you can simply walk around the city. The city center houses most of the tourist spots. The streets are hassle-free and relaxed.
• By bus: Macro-buses, which are large in number, are the cheapest means of transport. It costs less than 50 cents for a one way to travel in a macro-bus. In case of TUR express buses, the cost is exactly 50 cents one way. If you are a regular commuter, you can buy a transit card and swipe every time you board the bus.
• On a Metro: Most office goers prefer the metro services. You just need to pay 40 cents for a minimum distance ride.
• Other Options: You can also rent bicycles, taxis, and cars to travel to nearby cities. A valid US driving license is more than enough to drive a car here.

Tourist Visa in Guadalajara

A valid tourist visa is essential to visit Mexico. Citizens from countries like India, Russia, and China should apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa, 28 days before the date of entry. You should also submit copies of your travel tickets. Visa fee may cost you approximately USD 22 but this is subject to change from time to time.

Mexico provides visa exemption to the citizens of 67 nations. Citizens of Canada, USA, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan can enter Mexico without a valid tourist visa and can stay for a period of 6 months.

You can even extend your stay by providing the required documents before your visa expires.

Additional Information

1. Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. 1 USD equals 18.77 Mexican Peso.
2. Being the native language, people throughout Guadalajara speak Spanish. Yet, most of the locals can speak English.
3. You will find plenty of banks and ATMs across the city. Most restaurants and big shops accept payments by credit cards.
4. A large majority of the population residing in Guadalajara are Roman Catholics.
5. Public holidays in Guadalajara:

• New Year's Eve (January 1)
• Independence Day (September 16)
• Revolution Day (Third Monday of November)
• Three King's Day (January 6)
• Easter
• Mother's Day.